Job Titles and Responsibilities
By Jessee
About Common Terms

In this lesson, you will learn ten common computer/tech verbs and their meanings. You will also review the use of gerunds and infinitives.


  • What comes to mind when you think of computers and technology?
  • How do computers and technology make our lives easier?
  • How do computers and technology make our lives harder?

Click on the terms below to see their definitions.

Access

To gain entry or the ability to use a program, file, or machine


Example:

Raul could not access his 

laptop with his password. 

 

Configure

To arrange or order (a computer system or an element of it) so as to fit it for a designated task.


Example:

Samuel configured the 

expanded memory as a 

virtual hard drive. 

 

Document

To record in detail an issue, error, or function of a program or program interaction


Example: 

Bryan documented the file 

system error by filling out a 

technical report. 

 

Implement

To put a plan or policy into action 


Example:

The company is going to implement a new password 

policy next week. 

Program

To provide a computer or machine with coded instructions for the automatic performance of a task


Example:  

It is a simple matter to 

program the computer to 

recognize a new printer. 

Cache

To place instructions or data in computer memory for faster retrieval later.


Example:

Web browsers will cache 

files from your favorite sites 

so you can open them 

faster. 

 

Download

To save an image or file to your device


Example: 

You should zip your files so 

you can download them 

faster. 

 

Initialize 

To format or clear a computer 

disk prior to use 


Example:  

I had to wait while the 

system initialized. 

Troubleshoot

To trace and correct faults in a computer program or configuration


Example: 

I need to troubleshoot my 

operating system because 

my screen keeps flickering 

during Zoom meetings. 

 

Upload

To transfer data from one computer to another, typically to one that is larger or remote from the user, or functioning as a server


Example: 

I like to upload my travel 

pictures to my social media 

account to easily share 

them with my friends. 

 

Gerunds vs. Infinitives

GERUND—a verb ending in -ing that acts as a noun, and can be used as a subject, object or complement

  • Googling how to troubleshoot a computer error can be very useful. (gerund as subject)  
  • Javier enjoys coding in his free time. (gerund as object) 
  • Myra spends her weekends binging on Netflix series. (gerund as complement)

INFINITIVE—a verb preceded by to that is used as a subject, object or complement in a sentence (an unconjugated verb)

  • I need to download the new software security update. (infinitive as subject) 
  • David wants to pass his certification exam tomorrow. (infinitive as object)  
  • Roxana wants a promotion to get a raise. (infinitive as complement)

Reflection

Answer the questions below using the chapter vocabulary and at least one gerund and infinitive.

What do you like about working with computers?

What do you think are some basic computer skills everyone should know?

What is one computer engineering skill or ability that you want to learn or improve?

Ready to learn?

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